What causes and how do you treat broken capillaries?
Broken capillaries (capillary fragility) occurs when the micro circulatory vessels become weak or delicate causing bleeding, broken capillaries and bruising. The capillaries are the transport vehicles of circulation, red blood cells and oxygen to the tissues.
Common causes of broken capillaries
- side effects of medications (asprin, cortisone)
- insufficient circulation
- injury or trauma
- inflammatory or allergic conditions
- standing for long periods of time
Diet tips for circulation
- Ensure that you are drinking sufficient amounts of fluids (at least 2 litres/ day) as dehydration can lead to weakened capillaries
- Increase foods to improve circulation such as anti-oxidant rich foods - blueberries, green tea, grapes, berries, pineapples, chillis, dark chocolate, garlic, turmeric, fish, ginger and olive oil. Increase foods which contain Oligomeric Procyanidins (OPC's) such as blueberries, grapes, bilberry's, cranberries, pine bark, dark chocolate and red wine.
Lifestyle factors for circulation
- Avoid smoking as cigarettes dramatically decrease blood circulation and contribute to Vitamin C and Bioflavinoid deficiencies
- Wear compression stockings if the broken capillaries are appearing in the legs. Also try not to stand (especially on hard surfaces) for long periods of time as this can cause a pooling of blood in the lower extremities, buldging of the blood vessels, fluid (oedema) and broken capillaries. Raise your legs above the level of your heart at the end of the day to help facilitate the back flow of blood from the legs
Herbs and supplements which may help to improve circulation:
- Bilberry, Gotu Kola and Horse Chestnut may help reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency (including oedema, pain, tiredness, heaviness, tension, cramps and numbness)
- Butcher's Broom may prevent and alleviate venous insufficiency by inhibiting the excessive activity of the enzyme Elastase which is implicated in Venous Insufficiency
- Gotu Kola, Gingko and Bacopa, Grape Seed are all herbs which support circulation to the peripheries, strengthen the capillaries, decrease venous congestion, have a diuretic and increase venous circulation
- Fish oil helps to improve general circulation and reduce stagnation
- Magnesium is an important nutrient for the health of the circulation to strengthen the walls of the capillaries and may help to reduce the throbbing associated with varicose veins or broken capillaries
- Silica and Calcium Flouride in the form of tissue salts can be taken to address weakness of capillaries and to improve the integrity of the capillary walls, may help to reinforce the integrity of the walls of the veins and minimise further damage to the area
- Vitamin C and bioflavinoids (flavinoids, quercetin, rutin) may help improve the structure of blood vessels and a deficiency of these can lead to perforations and weakness of the capillaries